Shock loan switch for ex-Chester FC skipper

Chester manager Neil Young confirmed that the experienced former Southport player would be moving to the 11th placed Evostik League Division One North club.

“Michael has attracted interest from a couple of clubs after he was transfer-listed, but the sides that showed interest needed to increase their valuation,” Young said.

“I’m now hoping that a three month loan deal will be completed today with Curzon Ashton.”

Powell, 27, has made five league appearances for Chester so far this term, but has not featured for the Blues since being red-carded in his club’s 3-1 FA Cup third qualifying round replay defeat at FC Halifax Town last month.

He has now completed his three match suspension for the offence which led to his first half dismissal at The Shay and is set to join Curzon Ashton who are preparing for a league match at Clitheroe this weekend.

Young revealed he was sending a strong squad to Cheadle Town for tonight’s Cheshire FA Senior Cup tie (7.45pm kick-off).

He said: “Apart from one or two young lads I’ll be naming a squad made up mainly of first team players.

“Marc Williams and Nathan Jarman are both fit to play and I’ll be naming goalkeeper Martin Fearon in the starting line-up.

“We trained on Monday night after having the weekend off and, although I’m still not happy about the timing of tonight’s cup tie, it’s still a football match.

“I’m determined to get the balance right in terms of team selection because of this weekend’s big home match against Worksop Town.

“We want to do well in the FA Trophy after the disappointment of our FA Cup exit because we feel we can have a good run in the competition.”

Young admitted he was planning to add a striker to his squad next week in a bid to bolster Chester’s push for promotion.

He added: “I’m still looking to bring in a striker after speaking to a few Football League clubs, but nothing will happen before the weekend.

“I’m wanting to bring a player in who is fit, ready, and experienced. I’m aware that reports have appeared suggesting that I’m about to sign a new forward, but no deal is yet in place.”

Young, who revealed that he was hoping to complete a deal that will see him working in a full time role for the football club from Saturday, November 24, is expecting to have a strong squad available for selection to face Worksop this weekend.

He said: “Matty McGinn is likely to be out for another three or four weeks with a tear in his thigh, and I’m without Danny Williams because he is cup-tied.

“But Sean Clancy has been playing well in Matty’s absence, and I’m looking forward to having George Horan back for Saturday because he completes his suspension after tonight’s match at Cheadle.”

- Chester FC are looking for a part time chartered physiotherapist to cover home and away games along with midweek training evenings.

The closing date is November 20 and applicants should email: pat.cluskey@ chesterfc.com with their CV with a covering letter.

- Chester travel to Cheltenham to face Gloucester City on Sunday, November 18, and bookings are now being taken for seat reservations on the away travel coaches.

The coaches will be leaving the Exacta Stadium at 9.45am on the day, with the return fare costing £18.

Barrie Hipkiss, who co-ordinates the away travel has also advised that the car park will have security on the day in light of the recent break ins that took place last Wednesday night when Chester were away to Vauxhall Motors.

Anyone wanting to reserve their seat on the coach to Cheltenham should ring 01244 371376 (Monday to Friday 10am-4pm) or by contacting Barrie Hipkiss on 01244 379011 (Monday to Friday 4pm-8pm).